Food Lover's Guide to Mumbai

Mumbai's culinary scene features bold flavors and influences from around India and the world, so whether you're dining at a fine restaurant or eating from a street vendor, you'll never be at a loss for tasty bites. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

While Mumbai's restaurant scene has grown dramatically, the most authentic picture of the food scene comes from the streets. You'll find***vada pav***, nicknamed the poor man's burger, on just about every street corner in the city—a deep-fried potato fritter stuffed inside a bun and topped with a variety of chutneys and fried chilies, it's a favorite.Pav bhaji, another regional dish, is eaten by dipping buttered grilled bread into a spicy vegetable curry, while***pani puri***, eaten whole in one bite, offers a burst of flavor thanks to the hollow fried crisp's stuffing of chickpeas, potatoes, spices, tamarind chutney, and a spicy chili water. If you're hungry for a snack on the beaches of Mumbai, order some***bhel puri***, a puffed rice mixed with vegetables and tamarind sauce.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a day or night street food tour of the city to make sure you're getting the best bites in what can be an overwhelming environment of stalls and flavors

• Follow a professional chef to Mumbai's hidden gems on a food tour

• Equip yourself with the skills to prepare favorite Indian dishes at home on a cooking class tour that includes a visit to a local market

• Head to Chowpatty Beach in the evening for some of the best street food offerings in the city